Over the past few years, the educational systems in the United States have moved toward a focus on the standard core curriculum, such as science and mathematics, but shifted focus off of subjects pertaining to arts education. The standard reason you hear from schools cutting the arts as an important subject is that arts education is a bonus. Many tend to disregard the facts that support having a creative outlet is important in the well-rounded and personal development of a person’s growth. Having the knowledge to make and admire all forms of art should be taking a stronger precedent amongst administrators in schools across America. Taking a stand to teach communities the facts on the importance of an arts education should take precedence in today’s society. One cannot simply shrug off art as a luxury, but must consider it a right.
The arts are there as a creative outlet, and stimulate many aspects of the brain that normally go untouched and unexpressed. With creative juices flowing, people are open to free thinking and can center one’s thoughts and excel in work, school-related or other activities. Students who partake in music, theatre and visual arts are proven to be more active in their communities. This is mostly due to the confidence that the arts build in a person. An individual is more likely to volunteer, take risks, and overall put more into their environment if they have developed an outgoing personality. This outgoing mindset also helps translate into a willingness to learn. The dropout rate for students who are actively participating in the arts is significantly lower than those who do not participate at all.
The arts reach students not normally reached in ways and methods not normally used. Sustained learning in the arts correlates to bigger success in Math and Reading, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds see the greatest benefits. As a society, an effort should be made to give all a fighting chance and opportunities to succeed. With the arts showing nothing but positive benefits to the accomplishment of all students, it should no longer be regarded as a "luxury" that is not worth spending tax payer’s money on. It is a necessity to continue to blend society to be more knowledgeable and cohesive with one another.
As we deal with more and more public schools losing funding for important subjects such as the arts, we must take the time to remind ourselves of the significance music, theatre, and visual arts has on the success of children. The arts can open up children to a whole new world of opportunity. Therefore we must make the point to appreciate and nurture the arts in communities, for they are a big key in unlocking confidence, happiness, and the willingness to succeed and grow as an individual.
